The Hands-Off Presidency

Since Penoy became president, he has not shown any inclination to be a hands-on, can-do president. In fact, to this day, he continues to be a fence-sitter president, not having a proper or firm stand on anything (except for that wang-wang thing).

In the heat of the August 23 hostage fiasco, he was nowhere to be seen, later justifying his absence as not wanting to micromanage the situation. His hands-off attitude ended up with the death of many Hong Kong tourists. (Later on, it was found out that Penoy and Mayor Lim were having a delicious dinner at Emerald Restaurant along Roxas Blvd. at the time of the crisis).

In his campaign speech prior to the elections last year, he promised that he would support the Reproductive Health Bill. When he assumed the presidency, his stand became less clear, not wanting to be seen as pro- or anti- RH. (His wishy-washy stand is beginning to irritate some civil society leaders who supported his campaign primarily because of his promise to support the RH Bill).

Now, when there are calls for Ferdinand Marcos to be finally buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, he shows his hands-off attitude by passing the decision to VP Binay. Penoy fails to realize that whatever Binay decides, he would still have to approve, which makes me wonder how he's going to a squirm out of that predicament.

Yes, we have a president with no hair and no balls, who doesn't even have the chutzpah to make definitive decisions. We have a president who doesn't want to make controversial decisions because he enjoys being popular and loved. What we have is a hands-off president who can't be bothered with details.

God save the Philippines from this creature.

EDSA 1: The Bogus Revolution

There is once again much fanfare about the commemoraiton of the 1986 EDSA revolt which catapulted Cory Aquino into power and sending the nation into another dark chapter of history known as the First Aquino Regime.

Many stories and articles have been written about how the EDSA revolt heralded the dawning of freedom and democracy after 20 years of darkness under the Marcos dictatorship. Much of what have been written were written by authors wearing yellow-tinted glasses. After all, hisotry is written by the victors, and boy, were they victorious! (I say "they" because "we", the people, never really won anything substantial in EDSA 1). Many will argue that we won back our freedom. Wake up. We did not win our freedom back simply because we never lost our freedom. Freedom is in each and every one of us, regardless of whether the current leadership is a tyrant or a dictator. It cannot be taken away by anyone by force. However, it takes real courage to exercise that freedom in times of tyranny and oppression. What we won back in 1986 was not our freedom but the COURAGE to exercise that freedom.

What many fail to realize is that when we ousted the Marcos dictatorship, a new form of dictatorship immediately took over. After Marcos left, the power-hungry backers of Cory Aquino quickly went into overdirve. What could have been a true era for the Philippine became nothing more than a sham which continues to fool the people of the Philippines to this day.

For the record, Cory never should have opted for sequestration. Sequestration has the effect of permanently removing from the debtor any liability to pay any of the debts accumulated up to the date of sequestration. Once discharged from bankruptcy (usually after 3 years) they can benefit from a fresh start entirely free of debt (source: http://www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk) . That is the reason why so many of the cronies of Marcos continue to enjoy the good life. As for the few good businesses left by Marcos, these were taken over by the Aquino government, whichr eulsted in mismanagement. The other assets of the Marcoses recovered abroad were sold cheaply instead of being utilized by the government. Those that were not sold were left to rot, so to speak.

After the so-called revolution, those who supported Cory and her presidency were rewarded with juicy posts (much like the present Aquino Regime). Meralco was given back to the Lopezes without much opposition, plus other assets and businesses of the Lopezes and other oligarchs who went into exile after martial law was declared. As a result, the so-called free media, led by ABS-CBN, is beholden to the Aquinos, paving the way for Kris, who has no talent in acting

whatsoever, to become one of the network's "top stars". Even Cory's own son Noynoy was allegedly involved in in juicy contracts for the placement of security guards in various government establishments under his BSA Security & Investigation Agency.

So what really was the difference between the Marcos Regime and the first Aquino Regime? Nothing. Sure, the old posts now have new faces, but they still function the same. Those close to the President enjoy the benefits that come with it. In fact, the Cory appointees and OICs

continue to enjoy power and privilege up to this day.

What happened in 1986 was not a revolution but a changing of the guards, so to speak. Nothing really changed. The term crony was removed, but those close to the Aquinos still enjoy the privileges of being a crony, minus the title, of course.

EDSA 1 was an exercise in futility. It was an event, to be sure, much like the much talked about love-a-palooza every Valentines Day, nothing more. EDSA 1 was a bogus revolution, and we were duped into believing that we were ousting a dictator, when in fact we were just replacing the old crooks with new ones. Out with the old, in with the new, ika nga.

Fast forward to yesterday: The second Aquino regime ordered all government offices to display EDSA 1-themed decors to "commemorate" the 1986 event. What the Palace fails to realize is that you don't need decorations to remind people of the importance of the event. When people no longer remember EDSA 1, it is because no one believes in its significance anymore.

On the Reyes Suicide

Many have written on the circumstances surrounding Angelo Reyes' suicide, and many lament the fact that Angelo Reyes, with his death, lost the opportunity to prove his innocence. Such statement takes me aback, since I have been brought up thinking that one is presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process of law.

I decry the fact that Angelo Reyes has been presumed (rightly or wrongly) guilty without having been given the chance to defend himself in the proper forum. He has been stripped of his dignity before the probing eyes of the nation without being given the chance to defend himself.

For the record, Reyes was called to the Senate as a resource person on the investigation being conducted on the plea-bargain agreement between Carlos Garcia and the Government. He was not the focus of the investigation "in aid of legislation". Yet he was put on the spot and made the focus of the investigation -- an investigation which hurled unfounded accusations against his person and his honor, affecting not just him but his family.

He was disgraced even before he was tried, an suffering irreversible disgrace, he sought the only available option left to him. For me, what he did was total liberation from the clutches of the vultures in elected office.

Statement of the Reyes Children

(source: newinfo.inquirer.net)

For the past few years, many different people have spoken and written about our father, Angelo T. Reyes, in newspapers, television, radio and public gatherings. Unfortunately, some of these accounts have been grossly inaccurate, terribly unfair and downright vicious. We suppose that's part of the price a public servant has to pay. But it pains us greatly that a good and kind-hearted man like our Papa can be maligned so casually.

Allow us to set the record straight on the real Angie Reyes:

He was a dedicated soldier for 39 years, putting God and Country above self, but not once did he forget to call his wife and children every single day--whenever and wherever he was assigned in the country or the world.

He was known to demand the best from his subordinates, striving for excellence in any endeavor, but would find contentment in eating corned beef, monggo and sardines.

He was an outstanding alumnus of Harvard University and the Asian Institute of Management but could easily strike up a sincere conversation even with the lowest ranking soldier, policeman, or barangay tanod.

He was the nemesis of kidnappers, drug dealers, smugglers, and terrorists but was helpless as his granddaughter put lipstick on him.

He was a four-star general, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the conqueror of Camp Abubakr, but not once had he thought twice about kissing and embracing his wife and sons in public.

He was instrumental in EDSA 2 where he had to withdraw support from President Estrada for the higher interest of the nation but was man enough to go to Malacañang and face the beleaguered president to perform his final duty.

He was a political appointee but never participated in unproductive political bickering. He had never spoken ill of anyone in public--not even those who openly or secretly attacked him.

He was one of the busiest and hardest-working Cabinet members but always found time to visit his 95-year-old mother almost everyday and would take her out to dinner on weekends when she was still alive.

To us, his children, he was and will forever be, our idol--and no amount of ridiculous rumors, intrigues and accusations from the ignorant, the envious, and those who have nothing better to do than to cowardly criticize him, will ever change that.

Bogie, Jett, Marc, Carlo and Judd Reyes

Angelo Reyes and the Kangaroo 'Court'

I feel for the family of the late General Angelo Reyes. Angelo, and to some extent his family, has been portrayed unfairly by the Senate and the media. He was a victim of a vindictive Senator who cannot get over the fact that their stay in Malacañang was short lived.

I say Angelo Reyes was a victim because even without the benefit of a fair and just trial, he was put on the spot by the Senate whose sole purpose for conducting investigations are supposed to be in aid of legislation. The Senate has no prosecutorial power, but it has the power to destroy a person, his reputation and his dignity.

What transpired in the Senate the past two weeks was not an investigation but a lynching. Angelo Reyes was lured to the lion's den under the guise of being a resource person in the investigation of the plea bargain agreement between the government and General Carlos Garcia. Instead, he became the focus of the investigation, with Jinggoy Estrada presenting no less than Reyes' kumpadre standing as a "witness" against him. What baffles my mind is why no one in the committee bothered to point out that the focus of the investigation has deviated from its original purpose.

With media playing the witting accomplice, Reyes' dignity was shred to pieces before the eyes of the nation and the world. He became the instant kontrabida in the unfolding real-life telenovela, without having been given the right to defend himself. In the words of Mr. Oakwood, "No, no, no. You have no reputation to protect". What an arrogant little prick Mr. Oakwood is.

The senate investigation, for all intents and purposes, violated the basic rights of Angelo Reyes under the Bill of Rights of the Constitution, to wit:

Section 14. (1) No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of law.

(2) In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence in his behalf. However, after arraignment, trial may proceed notwithstanding the absence of the accused: Provided, that he has been duly notified and his failure to appear is unjustifiable.

Sadly, our very own Senate, using the power of investigation in aid of legislation as its personal tool of vendetta, acted as judge, jury, and in the end, executioner. The senate, particularly Jinggoy Estrada and Mister Oakwood Trillanes, have the blood of Angelo Reyes on their hands. They used and abused their powers as senators to get even with the man that is Angie Reyes.

To those who believe in their heart of hearts that Angelo Reyes is guilty of the accusations hurled against him, I tell you that guilty or not, he should have been given his day in court, a real court, and not the kangaroo court that many of our fellow citizens watched lustily in their idiot boxes within the safety of their homes, not realizing that with the deprivation of Angelo Reyes' rights (which the viewers in their hearts allowed), they have signed their own death warrants, for in truth, if a man like Angelo Reyes can be deprived of his basic rights as guaranteed under the constitution, then the same can be done to them as well.

The only consolation is that he died with the presumption of innocence, albeit a paltry one, compared to his life. And to those who still managed to cheer upon hearing of his death, cheer while you can, for when it is your turn at the receiving end of injustice, I hope that you will then realize the importance of your rights.

Criminals unafraid of cops

It clearly seems that criminal elements no longer fear the police. The spate of crime, including carnappings, carjackings and yes, even bikejackings, is a clear indication that criminals, not the police, have the upper hand.

This is exactly what i was afraid of. When yellow president Penoy divided the work of the DILG Secretary so that his BFF Puno could hava a piece, he unwittingly weakened the DILG and the PNP. Puno, who knows nothing about running the PNP, was given control over it by presidente Penoy, while the more qualified Robredo was sidelined.

The president doesn't seem to care that crime is on the rise. His reason big boy toy, a Porsche, seems to be his only concern nowadays. It's funny when you watch the nightly news and see

Penoy buying expensive cars, attending fiestas, and being late for his first cabinet meeting of the year. I don't know about him, but being president isn't about only the fun stuff.

I have some acquaintances who are afraid to leave their homes now. If they take the MRT, they fear they will get mugged. If they drive their own car, they are afraid it would be carnapped or worse, carjacked. These fears are valid, since the police has been less that efficient since this administration took over.

So here's an appeal to that tenant in the Palace: Dump the car. Focus on the real issue. It's not the noisy minority. It's the lack of authority that makes criminal elements bold. When criminals see that the president and his men aren't competent, they know they've already won.

Curses! Foiled Again!

Wily Coyote vs. the Road Runner

If life were a cartoon show, I'd be laughing my ass off. The clever plot of the wily coyote to capture the dastardly road runner backfired for the nth time. This is how I tend to look at the plot of the present administration to push it's Truth Commission geared towards Penoy's imagined arch-nemesis, Gloria Arroyo. Sadly, life isn't a cartoon, and the infantile efforts of Penoy and his legal team to push the Truth Commission down Juan dela Cruz's throat isn't funny anymore.

Penoy is living the life of her mother all over again, copying everything she has done -- so logically, if Cory had Marcos, Penoy must have a Gloria. In a press conference the other night, i heard the Yellow Leader say in essence that the Truth Commission was meant to put some sort of closure on a "dark chapter" of our history (naks! feeling superhero si gago!) And guess what? I'm not the only one who thinks the same thing (well, not so much the gago part). Bobby Tiglao wrote the same thing in his column in the Inquirer yesterday! Yan ang tunay na Hindi ka nagiisa.

Psycho?

Penoy's actions remind me of the movie Psycho (with a pinoy touch), with Penoy playing Norman Bates. I could actually picture Penoy sitting in the presidential chair, wearing a curly wig and yellow duster, looking out the window of Malacanang. I can see him obsessing over La Gloria, while his alter-ego (the mother) tells him he must destroy the woman. The pinoy touch is that every plot he hatches backfires...

Curses, Foiled Again!

The Palace's recent setback, the EO No. 1 fiasco, has shown Penoy spiraling on the very brink of insanity when he implied that his allies will begin impeachment proceedings versus the current Chief Justice. One can simply surmise that this is because the First Brat did not get his way again. Good for us that none of his allies are biting (at least for now).

Even the Senate is playing it cool and not jumping into the issue like rabid attacks dogs of their master -- and with good reason. They know what would happen if all branches of government start warring with each other. I guess this is why many were surprised when Penoy went on the offensive again, hurling accusations and insinuations against the High Court. My God, is he that stupid to realize that he setting his yellow zombies up for a people power vs. the SC?

King of Lala Land

Penoy is living in a Quixotic delusion, a dream world of sorts. He thinks that he is a revolutionary president, having recently just toppled the past administration. He thinks that he is king of the Filipinos, and that his word is law. He thinks that Executive Orders are actually Royal declarations, where the king's orders must be carried out forcefully and without delay. He lives in a fantasy where he is adored by each and every one of his constituents, and that those who dare go against him are agents of evil. Someone really has to douse him with cold water and wake him from this dream.

***

Glorietta 2 blast revisited

I was shocked to read this morning in gmanews.tv that the Palace wants the Glorietta 2 incident re-investigated (by the Truth Commission, no less). The news item said that the Palace hinted that the investigation was "whitewashed". Apparently, the Palace stooges are experts in whitewashing investigation results.

Why, oh why, would the GMA administration cover-up the truth if it indeed was a bomb that caused the explosion? Wouldn't it be favorable to the then Gloria administration to claim it was a bomb rather than a gas leak? It could have been a good reason for her administration to crack down on her critics, but they did not do that.

But I think I know the reason behind this so-called "re-investigation". The Ayalas, who own Glorietta 2, are liable and subject to lawsuits for the explosion if it had been a gas leak, and they wouldn't want that to happen. Hey! They supported Penoy's campaign, so why can't they just have it re-investigated by their "boy" Penoy and have the new results "tweaked" to show that it was really a bomb and not a gas leak? I mean, the Palace go-boys have proven their skill in tweaking investigation reports.

I see no logic in the need for the past administration to cover up what happened in Glorietta 2... But hey, it's Penoy's Truth Commission, and they've been given a blank check.

Whitewash

For the life of me, i cannot understand why Usec. Rico Puno, of all people, would be spared from any responsibility for the botched hostage rescue attempt last August 23 which killed 8 Hong Kong nationals. Penoy himself made it clear that he assigned Puno to the DILG specifically to handle the Philippine National Police. What does Puno have on Penoy to make the President bow to this low-life scum?

But hey, it's Penoy's funeral. Somehow, former National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales' statement that Penoy is on a self-destruct mode seems to hold water. Even some of my firends who are staunch supporters of Penoy are starting to question his decision to spare his BFF from prosecution, despite the result of the IIRC investigation.

Why in hell did Penoy even create the IIRC when he knew from the start that he will have the last say on the matter? He only made a fool of Laila De Lima who performed an exemplary job, only to be sidelined in the end.

What we are seeing from the Palkace is a clear sign of a whitewash. The Palace has no intention of finding out the truth but is more itnerested in saving the Presidential friends from taking responsibility.

What a sham.

Damaso

The catholic hierarchy today said that Celdran was jailed not because he exercised his right to free speech but because he "committed a sin against the church". First off, in my humble opinion, having such a law as Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code is in itself a violation of one's basic human rights.

Art. 133. Offending the religious feelings. — The penalty of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correccional in its minimum period shall be imposed upon anyone who, in a place devoted to religious worship or during the celebration of any religious ceremony shall perform acts notoriously offensive to the feelings of the faithful. source: www.chanrobles.com

In a nutshell, Article 133 means that the Church or any religious organization can have you imprisoned if they feel you performed an act offensive to the "faithful", but not vice versa.

In the United Staes Bill of Rights, it says:

Amendment I-- Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Freedom of Expression must include being able to express one's feelings inside the church. If the church pulpit can be used to demonize, accuse without evidence and lambast the government (like what they did during GMA's administration), then i say with conviction that it is also the right of every catholic to speak out against its church and its hierarchy INSIDE that church.

Remember history, my friends. Many of these old churches, including the Manila Cathedral, were built by our fellow Filipinos, some working for free in exchange for what the Frailes call "salvation". It is the people, the Filipino people under the oppressive Spanish regime who built these churches, not the bishops, not the priests and not the Pope. It is our Church, and if priests can call a person evil using the pulpit, then we, the people, can certainly use this church built by our forefathers' blood, sweat and tears to call the church hierarchy whatever we want.

What is good for the gander should be good for the goose. The church cannot have double-standards and say "we can speak against anyone inside the church but the people cannot". This goes against the teachings of Christ where He is the Head and we, the people, The church, is the body. Christ never mentioned anything about Popes, Bishops, Cardinals and excommunication.

Then, of course, there is that argument made by Carlos Celdran which I agree with -- the Church cannot, according to our Constitution, involve itself in matters of State, to wit:

ARTICLE II

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES

Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

I commend Carlos Celdran for having the balls to speak out against the Catholic Church, a taboo though it may be to some, but judging from the reactions of many people in the world wide web, I'm sure many share Carlos' sentiments about the separation of Church and State.

Celdran: Bagong Bayani

Dressed as Jose Rizal, Manila's famous tour guide Carlos Celdran walked into the Manila Cathedral, went to the altar, raised a sign that says DAMASO (in reference to Jose Rizal's antagonist in Noli me Tangere) and shouted "Stop meddling in politics!". Now that's what I call guts. For all the hot air and bluster I've been hearing from the Palace about supporting the Reproductive Health Bill, what Celdran did was a breath of fresh air. Celdran was later arrested and charged with violation of Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code.

What the priests and bishops failed to realize that they played right into Celdran's hands. This is exactly why he was garbed as Jose Rizal. What the church demonstrated when they had Celdran arrested was that they were in fact the modern day Damasos ordering the arrest of a modern day Rizal and putting him behind bars. But what Celdran did was merely an exercise in freedom of expression, something the church cannot fully understand since it is anchored in dogma written in the middle ages.

If the church continues with its threats against the government's plan to push for Reproductive Health, then we are seeing the end of days of the church's holier-than-thou meddling in politics and I would not be the least bit surprised if activists replicate this action by Celdran. Let's see if the church can take a dose of civil disobedience.

As for Celdran, I say stay strong. We are behind you 100%.

One year after Ondoy

As the flood waters rose steadily on that fateful morning of September 26, 2009, my sister and i decided to go to the Zen Center (zendo) where i work (which was three houses away). After securing our stuff and shutting off our main switch, we locked our house and went to the zendo. There, we were met by the center's treasurer, Juju Tan, who was in the zendo moving the important items of the zendo to the second floor. Juju then waded through chest high waters to meet his driver near the gate of Provident.

My sister and i made ourselves at home on the zendo's 2nd floor, where the dormitory is situated. We were later joined by the de Guzmn and Pineda families who live next door to the zendo. Luckily for us, the de Guzmans had a ladder and a big roll of insulation foam, while the Pinedas brought their lunch with them.

By noon, we were on the roof, waiting to be rescued. An hour later we were joined by Dominic and his wife, along with Nero, their german shepherd. The men in our group spent the night taking turns holding up our makeshift tent which kept the women and children dry. Early next morning, Atty. de Guzman arrived with a rubber dinghy which rescued our neighbors. My sister and i chose to stay behind. We waited for the water to recede up to the waist, then waded the flood waters to reach the gate of Provident Village.

One year after Ondoy, i still live in Provident Village, quite aware that the drainage systems have not been thoroughly dredged and cleaned, and knowing full well that the Marikina River has become shallow. Armed with this "knowledge", i made my own version of a grab bag. My friend gave me a dry bag which i can use to store a small AM Radio, flashlight, waterproof matches, a couple of shirts, some cigarettes, easy-to-open canned goods and a whistle.

One year after Ondoy, i still keep hearing government officials claim they are ready for another Ondoy. But really, who can ever be ready for another Ondoy? Honestly, i'm not putting much faith in local government to resuce me from another disaster. The Zendo today is being renovated, and an escape hatch to the roof is being added to ensure a quick exit in case of another flood.

One year after Ondoy, our neighbors are still here, a little wary but still suriving. I am still in awe that despite the disaster, we managed to stay calm and composed during the entire ordeal.

One year after Ondoy, i am still in awe of the inviolability of the human spirit.

Banayo's Problem

Lito Banayo has recently been seen on TV and heard on radio saying that there is a looming rice shortage if Malacanang fails to release the agency's P6 billion budget. I find this statement by

Banayo funny since it was he who told Penoy that there was an "over importation of rice". The claim was so "shocking" that it even landed in Penoy's first State of the Nation address, meant to embarrass the previous administration of PGMA.

Banayo even went as far as to call for an investigation of the previous administration to demonstrate the veracity of his claim. His claim got so much media mileage, with him claiming that the agency even had to stop the arrival of rice shipments from abroad due to "over supply". He even claimed, in an article on CBS Network's website, that we were "swimming in rice".

And because of this pompous claim, Malacanang decided not to release the P6 billion budget alloted for the agency, something which i believe Banayo never expected to happen.

Now Banayo is once again doing media rounds, but claiming that we might come to a rice shortage due to the non-release of his agency's budget. From swimming in rice, Banayo now claims that the cupboard is bare.

And here you can probably guess why he made a u-turn from his earlier claims: P6 billion is too big a money to pass up. Even a small percentage could make Banayo's Christmas merry indeed.

In the end, Banayo's claims really were about "the money" and not about rice.

Penoy's Insecurity and the four-way test

Penoy and his administration is insecure, this much i can say with certainty. His and his cohorts' need to constantly compare their actions, spendings and the like with that of the previous administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Ph.D. seems so jejune that it makes them look like school boys who constantly need to assure themselves that they have the biggest penis in school to the point of constantly going to the bathroom and checking on their classmates' dongs just to convince themselves of their "greatness".

Let's take a look at how the (mis)communications group of Malacanang play up this "My penis is bigger than yours" bit: In his US trip, Penoy and the boys continually emphasize the "frugality" of Penoy's US trip, pointing out that there will be no repeat of the Le Cirque Restaurant incident that became an issue for the GMA administration. The Malcanang dog-waggers played up Penoy's eating at In-and-Out Burgers and their use of a commercial flight.

While it is commendable to be frugal at a time when most filipinos are hard strapped for cash, one must use the Roatary Club's Four Way Test to see if what we are hearing from Malacanang is accurate.

IS IT THE TRUTH?

is the government really spending only P25 million pesos? Does the P25M include the pay for the PR firm they hired to "promote" Penoy's visit? If it is the truth, why can't Carandang and his pals come up with the exact cost of the PR firm deal? Coming from the media, Carandang must have known that once you admit that you hired a PR Firm to promote your boss' trip, the next question your former colleagues in media would ask is "How much did it cost?" If it is true that this administration is for truth and transparency, Carandang and his pals should have had that data ready and at hand during his admission.

IS IT FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED?

Is it fair for Malacanang to constantly compare itself to the previous administration? Is it fair to the Filipino people to be kept in the dark as to the exact and actual cost of Penoy's trip? Is it fair for Pinoy taxpayers to be misled by sweeping statements like "The PR Firm deal is much cheaper, even by Philippine standards"? Is it fair for former President Arroyo who has yet to be charged for alleged crimes against the people (In any civil society, one cannot be presumed guilty without the benefit of a fair and just trial)? The answer to these questions is a resounding No.

WILL IT BUILD GOODWILL AND BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

First off, constantly comparing Penoy's administration to that of Gloria Arroyo isn't going to build goodwill. In fact, it is causing much division in our society, and we really need division like a hole in the head. Secondly, you don't need a PR Group to build goodwill and better friendships among your fellow world leaders. Goodwill and better friendships come from being a true statesman, with or without the need for a promotional gimmick. It is all about political will, charisma and true leadership qualities. You only need a PR firm if you lack these 3 qualifications. Enough said.

WILL IT BE BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONCERNED?

Will hiring a PR firm be beneficial to us filipinos? Not to all. But it will certainly be beneficial to Penoy, who has lost much face because of the August 23 hostage incident, having been played out on international news networks like CNN (courtesy of Penoy's ally ABiaS-CBN).

Is it worth spending P44 million for? Maybe not. In his first SONA, Penoy practically said we had no money left, and here they are trying to appear frugal and yet hiding the fact that we hired a PR firm to drum up the Penoy's image. Mind you, this isn't about promoting the Philippines' image, as much as the (mis)communications group would like to claim that it is. It is, to be candid, to promote Penoy whose bumblings in his first 100 days make him look like, in the words of Senator Joker Arroyo, "a student council president" in the eyes of many world leaders.

Because of his massive insecurity and his and his administration's failure to pass the four-way test, Penoy needs to go full blast to convince the Filipino people that he really is qualified to be president of this nation. No amount of PR will cover up his incompetence. More to the point, if he keeps up with his constant comparison of the past administration, the people may end up thinking the past administration is actually better than his. But that's just my opinion.

Punong Puno na kami, Puno

Puno is clinging to power like the bayawak that he is (i would have said tarsier but tarsiers are cute, cuddly and lovable). He seems to be working under the impression that the Filipino people would forgive him if he announced that he will submit a courtesy resignation the moment Penoy arrives from the US.

What he doesn't seem to understand is that a courtesy resignation is not enough. What he should tender is an irrevocable resignation. Delicadeza demands it. He, however, seems to be ignorant of the word and continues to believe that he is "untouchable", what with Tony Boy himself telling Bishop Cruz to take it easy on Puno.

A piece of unsolicited advice, Usec. Puno: Cut and cut clean. Show a little honor, even if it's just for show. We know it's difficult for you to show honor when there isn't an iota of it in your body.

As your namesake once crooned, "Ang tao'y marupok..."

Teach Penoy to Count

Penoy has been busy the past few weeks comparing the budget for his US Trip with that of his predecessor GMA. His (mis)communications group said that Penoy's trip would only cost about P25 million, staying at a Sofitel Hotel and eating at a Jollibee in Queens.

What he and his cohorts in Malacanang failed to say was that Penoy's trip would also entail hiring a US-based PR firm which some say would cost about P45 million. Carandang quickly denied that the PR Firm would pe paid that much money, but refused to say how much the Philippines is actually paying for it. So much for transparency.

What i think is likely to happen is that the real cost of the PR Firm will not be revelaed to the public and that some hocus-PCOS will take place to make it appear that the PR Firm was "a too good a deal to pass".

What is as clear as day is the fact that Penoy's trip will cost a whole lot more than just the P25 million "propaganda amount" that they have been trying to sell the public. Tough noogies, Ricky. No one seems to be buying it.

At the end of the day, Penoy and his (mis)communications group should learn to count because even the lowly taxi driver I talked to this afternoon doesn't believe that Penoy's US trip would cost only P25 million INCLUDING the PR firm job.

Another Complaint versus Homesonic

I recently saw in the comments section of my blog dated 2009 that several individuals were victimized by Homesonic. If you are a victim of Homesonic or Arysta, please email me or write your complaint on the comment box below.

Let me share with you two incidents:

Anonymous said...

Homesonic did the same thing to me, now they already have 54,900 pesos from my credit card.im so sad to find out that Homesonic is a Scam, I hope somebody can help me regarding this.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Anonymous said...

FOOH___22------} last 23rd of July my mom and i went to TUTUBAN CENTER MALL 2, den suddenly two fucking staff (CARMIE CAALAM) approached us telling that we have a free bag coz its their co. anniv....we refused to accept that fucking free bag, unfortunately there was no way out from that place coz the escalator wasnt working dat tym...we didnt have any choice but to look for the other way ...so badtrip!!!! coz the other escalator was near on their place (HOMESONIC)...they were very accomodating even if my face wasnt dat ryt....they used that situation telling us " don din naman kau dadaan mam kc sira yang escalator kya daanan nio nlang mam libre nman po yan dhil anniv po namen...) since taung pilipino has dis attitude na "sige n nga, and2 n rin lng naman.." kya aun, we entered the HELL........den they started to massage my mom and i wid their chair massager and beauty matte massager, that's BULLSHIT!!!...hahha! i was wondering dat tym...so d scam issue of kyowa entered my mind...so i asked them what was that all about.......and the DEMON CARMIE answered "this is to advertise our products!!!!..while we are waiting for the fucking bag!then suddenly the pregnant women entered and let me sign the paper,,,den i started giving my false information...my god, they hav no right to know how much savings i have....CRaZy deMons!!! this pathetic staff(pregnant women)started their strategy..telling us that we have won 10 umbrellas!!! so wat?!!!hahah...and den suddenly after confirmation from their so called head office they said that although we didnt qualify to that fucking thing.. we still have the privilege to pick one of their certicate.....den sbi pa ng isang staff pag blue daw ang nabunot q try again.......den i picked one envelope, and its blue!! but hnd try again ang nkasulat...discounted 2000 ang nakaindicate...and at the back of that voucher , it is indicated that we have a free energy cooker and the x in game chair...i asked pano namn nangyari un!!! Sb ng mga kumag ang swerte q daw dhil aq daw ung 5 n naqualify pra d2...then i keep on asking na pano nangyari until they showed us some more free fucking appliances that we'v qualified to get habang nagssigawan cla ng mga staff at masayang masayang n pinagagagawa nila.....sabay at the end of their makukuha q lng un free if i avail one of their products...sbi q ala aqng pera pra mag avail..but then they told me na if papipiliin anong product daw ung pipiliin namin..and then i said ung magagamit s business ung BIO ENERGY WATER SYSTEM...and then this FUCKING CARMIE persuaded us to withdraw kc magagamit nman daw namin un s business...she computed how much the profits i can get if i avail the BIO ENERGY WATER SYSTEM...then after the long conversation 5x qng sinabi na cancelled nlang...okei lng n di mauwi yan mga free n yan...mkikita mo tuloi s mga muka nila na nawalan ng energy!!!!hahahha....but the problem is my mom really wants the energy cooker kya nkita 2loi ung interest nia...sb q babalik kme tom coz i really want to do research first, pero ang dinahilan q kelangan q muna makausap ung husband q...den carmie told me na d daw possible un,,valid until dat day lng daw,, and den sb eh d cancelled m na....den sb if u want u can give 5000 for reservation...then i asked her is dat refundable sb nia off setted to items...so tumagal nnman ang discussion dahil sb q bket ganon...but then i cash out 5000 due to my mom's interest to get the energy cooker and the bio energy water system...When i went home, i did a research and found out that HOMESONIC is a SCAM!!!!!! i called the DTI, telling that there are cases filed against them,, then i called SEC, telling that HOMESONIC doesnt appear on their database and HOMESONIC doesnt have a licencse at all...My god!!! and after a day, i went back to TUTUBAN to get my money back....but they refused to give it...nkakatawa..ung isang staff, pinakilala sken ung supervisor nila,,,and den sb q last tym manager ang pakilala sken s taong yan ngaun supervisor nlang...gRabe!!! den i talked to thje so called manager/supervisor....trying to tell him to please coordinate it to their head office..and then d p xa nkikipagcoordinate may response n agad xa..patawa tlg!!!! dameng excuses!!! sb q asan ang head office nila, pupuntahan q...tapos hnd maisulat ng manager kung wat specific address...den suddenly ung isang staff lumabas form the rum giving the business card...grabe...ung business card ang nakalagay customer service,,sb q asan ang head office d2?? un daw ang head office nila.....at ittransfer din nman daw aq s knila khit pumunta daw aq don....anong klaseng head office un....hahah..at lahat nman daw ng company may negative feedbacks....nandamay p! kapal ng muka!!! hnd cla kinaya ng nerves q kya i did a scandal..i even tried to talk to one of their customer giving the handouts i have...and nagsisigaw aq s loob at labas ng office nila informing people that HOMESONIC is scam!!!!!!!!!!.....now, i want to file a complaint against them,,, that is only a small amount pero wat i want to is give that fucking company together with its demon staff a lesson.....

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Penoy's Foot-in-Mouth disease

It seems that the President of our country is suffering from what journalists call "Footh-in-Mouth Disease". Issue after issue, Penoy and his miscommunications people manage to find their feet in their mouth the minute they open their mouths to defend themselves. I remember reading in an online news site that Penoy said during a wake that in two years time, people will look back on (the hostage incident) and just laugh. Oooops. Did he just say that out loud?

Then there's the comedy duo of Carandang and Coloma (sounds like a comedy act to me). Their statements regarding the missed phone call of HK Chief Executive Donald Tsang during "The Crisis" were too way off the mark that I am tempted to write a new book about them: Carandang is from Mars, Coloma is from Uranus.

Now comes the Juetengate issue being hurled against the president's top honchos. Instead of saying that he believes in the trustworthiness and honesty of his men, Penoy starts off his defense by saying that P2 million was "too cheap" to be true, a statement which makes some wonder if Penoy knows the going rate of jueteng payolas. Then his follow through about jueteng not being a priority of his government just shoved his foot deep into his throat. I wouldn't be surprised if, by this time tomorrow, the trio would have swallowed their feet with all their bumblings.

Yessiree, at every turn, issue after issue, the comedy trio of Penoy, Coloma and Carandang manage to put themselves into compromising positions, yet they still hang on to Penoy like the cute little tarsiers that they are. Truth be told, Penoy and his men don't need detractors -- they can do that all on their own.

Hello, Jueteng

The recent appointment of PNP Dir. General Raul Bacalzo as PNP Chief replacing Jesus Versoza, has been met with criticism from some junior officers of the National Police. Many claim that the new PNP Chief is involved in Jueteng and receives, along with some Malacanang official/s, payola in exchange for protection from jueteng. Mind you, these are all allegations, but persistent ones, nonetheless.

Then comes Usec. Puno of the DILG claiming he was offered by Jueteng Lords P2 million a month (an amount Penoy said was "cheap", as if he knows very well the going rate for jueteng payolas. hmmmm). Puno claims he declined the offer, but refuses to identify these people who offered him money. He claims no law was broken, although i doubt if attempting to bribe a government official isn't a crime in itself. These two officials of the Penoy administration both have a lot to explain since the rumors, stories and whispers involving them in jueteng are growing loudereach day.

Could it be that these two are not in position by accident? Could it be that Bacalzo and Puno were put there through the insistence of the powerful bulong brigade? And if the powerful bulong birgade pushed Penoy to appoint Bacalzo and Puno to the 2 top posts that are responsible for eradicating jueteng, then it logically follows that some members of the bulong brigade might have vested interests in jueteng and would want the police and the DILG to be "in good hands".

Then comes the question everyone wants to ask: Could Penoy have received payola during his legislative term of office, and could he have received campaign contributions from Jueteng Lords? Is this the reason he was hesitant to say who his contributors were? Is this the real reason why Penoy is trying his best to ease out Sec. Robredo (a staunch anti-jueteng advocate) without making it look like a political maneuver?

Let's face it. Penoy's announcement that jueteng is not in his list of priorities, plus the fact that he refuses to investigate allegations by retired Bishop Cruz that his top ranking officials are involved in jueteng or are receiving jueteng payolas, raises many eyebrows.

No matter which way you look at it, the situation is highly suspect, and the president has a lot to explain with regards to his seeming refusal to investigate his own men. With his actions, many cannot be faulted into thinking that the jueteng payola has reached the top of the political heap.

Command Responsibility

Having read and re-read all the reports coming out from last Monday's botched rescue attempt of Hong Kong tourists held hostage by a disgruntled police officer, one question pops to mind: Where was our president and what has he been doing throughout the whole ordeal?

A presidential spokesperson said that the president was monitoring the situation but left it to "concerned police authorities the handling of the matter."

At a time like this, especially when foreign nationals are involved, the president should, and must be visible. The hostage taker's demands were simple. The president could have gone on live TV to appeal to the gunman's sense of justice. He could have said he would personally guarantee to review his case, or even promise to reinstate him if only to appease the man. But no. He was out of the public eye, hiding inside the Palace rather than taking control of the situation -- something which his predecessor Gloria Arroyo would have done.

But no, Noynoy refuses to be compared to his predecessor and even went as far as to say that he was not going to divulge where he was during the entire ordeal. So much for his vow of transparency. At a time when the nation looked for leadership, there was none. This was evident in how the police handled the situation. It was as if no leadership existed and each police unit went their own way in trying to put an end to the situation. BBC even came up with their observation regarding our police's actions.

President Aquino must be held responsible for this failure, under the principle of command responsibility. His words to General Angue came to mind as i was writing this blog: "I am your Commander-in-Chief". This was no longer a local issue to be handled by local police. This was an international incident involving foreign nationals, and it was the job of the president not only to inform the government of the hostages of the situation but to give his personal assurance to the governments concerned that everything is being done for the safe release of their nationals. Sadly, this was not the case with our president. Donald Tsang, Hong Kong's chief executive, said in a statement that he kept calling President Aquino but the president was unavailable. It was his responsibility as Commander-in-Chief to be on top of the situation -- not just leaving everything to the police. Look where that got us.

He cannot hide from his responsibility, and he cannot point the finger at others for the failure of the police to rescue the hostages. He should have been on top of the situation, he should have ordered a media blackout (another thing his predecessor did during the height of the Manila Penn Siege) and he should have done everything in his power to make sure the hostages were released safe and sound.

This was his first major test as a leader, and he failed badly. Not only the Philippines witnessed this epic failure but also the rest of the world. To make matters worse, he did arrive much, much later at the scene, even captured on film smiling for the cameras.

Not even his explanations the next day as to what he did during the hostage drama could wash away the stink his non-appearance left in the wake of the previous night's events.

In a country where we look up to our leaders to be on top of every situation, it appears that "The President you dialed cannot be reached".